In our month of “Daring” at CSL Kaua`i, I have spent much time pondering what is next for me. As i wrote yesterday, “So Big!” we are never done. Life is meant for expansion.

This morning while meditating, I heard the voice within say, “Follow your gifts!” Yes, that is what I am called to do. Following my gifts is very expansive because I feel like I have a lot of gifts. That has been one of my challenges in life – scattered energy. I love to do so many things – singing, speaking, teaching, counseling, coaching, mentoring, cooking and more. I have a lot of gifts.

I bet you have a lot of gifts, too. I invite you to follow your gifts. I believe that by following our gifts, we will be directed and guided to the right experiences to give them. It was like I was told when I was an actor, “An actor acts.” Many actors in Los Angeles wait for their big break. They want stardom and they wait for the door to open, instead of just acting wherever and whenever they can. It’s the same for writers. Writers write. They don’t wait for someone to publish their writing.

Another word for “gift” is “talent.” What is a talent? “A natural ability to do something well.” I grew up Catholic and remember the “Parable of the Talent” from the Bible. The message was to use your talents, not hide them. When you use them, they increase and bring increase to your life and the life of others. Talents aren’t just expressions like singing or dancing. Talents are gifts you have that pull you into expression.

We are all as unique as our fingerprint. Even when we have the same talent as another person, we are still unique in how we give it to the world. We are not imitations, nor should we try to imitate others. I experience this vocally. My voice is unique and when I try to sing like someone else, I do a poor job.

If this pandemic time has taught me anything, it is that we need original people in the world who are thinking past what is. I believe that the breadcrumb trail that we might be looking for is laid out by following our gifts/talents. I invite us all to dare to do so starting now.

Love and Aloha,

Rev. Rita Andriello-Feren, Spiritual Director CSL Kaua`i